What is the theme in Waiting for Anya by Michael Morpurgo?

Family is another important theme to this novel. The first family the reader is introduced to is Jo's. Jo's family has been torn apart and redefined by the absence of his father. While Jo's father is held as a prisoner-of-war, Jo must take over some of his father's duties around the house. When Jo's father suddenly reappears, it is four years after he left. This causes some upheaval in the household. The father feels as though he has missed out on so much while Jo feels that his role in the family has again been redefined and he does not know exactly where he belongs.